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A framework of accelerator design: harmonizing fragmented knowledge

Alexander Kramer (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Leipzig, Germany)
Philipp Veit (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Leipzig, Germany)
Dominik K. Kanbach (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Leipzig, Germany) (Woxsen University, School of Business, Hyderabad, India)
Stephan Stubner (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Leipzig, Germany)
Thomas K. Maran (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy)

European Journal of Innovation Management

ISSN: 1460-1060

Article publication date: 4 May 2023

340

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop an integrative framework of accelerator design to answer the question of what activities accelerators perform and how they function within a structured framework. Research on the functioning of accelerators as a mechanism for startup engagement produced multiple empirical results. However, the comparability of relevant research is strongly limited, currently hindering theoretical developments. Existing accelerator design models often differ and only partially overlap, which leaves extant literature with a fragmented and discordant conceptual understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a meta-synthesis method using qualitative analysis of 36 accelerator design articles, an integrative framework is developed. After identification of relevant literature, a renowned method for extracting, coding and synthesizing data on individual and cross-study level is applied to identify accelerator design constructs. Eventually, identified accelerator design constructs are integrated into a framework resting on the activity system lens of business model design.

Findings

The article reconciles fragmented knowledge on accelerator design and shows how accelerator design can be holistically conceptualized by 32 key activities clustered in eight design dimensions. The framework is complemented by an initial guideline for measurement. The findings further highlight formerly disregarded aspects of governance and community formation from a processual and structural perspective.

Originality/value

This article is the first to present a comprehensive picture of accelerator design integrating multiple empirical findings of prior research into a single coherent framework. This framework offers a shared foundation for future research exploring the delineations, functioning and impact of accelerators. From a practical perspective, the article provides managers of accelerators a guide to design, review and improve programs according to their value creation goals.

Keywords

Citation

Kramer, A., Veit, P., Kanbach, D.K., Stubner, S. and Maran, T.K. (2023), "A framework of accelerator design: harmonizing fragmented knowledge", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-11-2022-0668

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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